Airbnb has engaged AI-powered tools to help spot and block unauthorised New Year’s Eve parties at UK properties. The property booking company said it had introduced automated measures to identify and block potentially higher-risk bookings,
The technology analyses data such as the length of the trip, type of listing, and distance from a guest’s location to help determine whether it could be a higher disruption risk.
If the booking attempt is flagged, guests are either blocked from booking or redirected to alternative accommodation on the platform. The company started using the restrictions in 2020 and claims there has been a significant drop in the rate of parties reported.
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Airbnb said that last year alone nearly 74,000 people were blocked from making a booking, including around 7,800 in the UK. This included around 2,900 bookings in London and 470 in Manchester.
Amanda Cupples, Airbnb general manager for the UK and northern Europe, said: “While issues are rare, we want to do our part to help reduce the risk of unauthorised and disruptive parties. Airbnb is committed to supporting hosts and the communities they live in, and we hope these defences allow guests, hosts and neighbours to celebrate the holiday with added reassurance.”
The firm said the measures would be in effect in the run-up to and over New Year in countries and regions around the world, with restrictions in place on one to three-night reservations.
In addition, guests who make reservations will be required to confirm that they understand unauthorised and disruptive parties are not allowed on Airbnb, and face suspension from the platform if this policy is found to have been breached.